I was there 3 weeks ago on that same loop.
- Snow - I had to cross 3 spots where there was snow. At most my feet were on snow for 10 steps.
- Stream Crossings - None wider than 5 feet and deeper than 1 or 2 feet. I used the boulders available to cross. My feet stayed dry the whole time.
- Mosquitos - Around the Vogelsang area, they were terrible and swarming. I was glad I had a mosquito net around my face + long sleeves and long pants. Once I got to Evelyn Lake, they cleared up.
- Not many rocky trails.
I liked the hike up Rafferty Creek. I think the grade was a little slighter. The hike back Lyell Canyon was beautiful.
http://picasaweb.google.com/john.stream